The legality of the current recount is sound in law

May 20, 2020 Letters

Dear Editor,

A number of comments were made over the weekend, which have most likely left the citizens of this country confused as to the legality of the current recount. In the interest of clarity, I would like to remind all Guyanese that these are the facts:
1. The Gazetted Order (No. 60 of 2020) has the power of law; and
2. At Section 1(f), it states that, “The role of the Commission shall include but not limited to determine AND DECLARE THE FINAL RESULTS of the General and Regional Elections 2020.”

It would be ludicrous to assume, as reflected in Commissioner Alexander’s remarks, that the final results would not be based on a recount which, according to the Orders, reflects GECOM’s efforts to “remove difficulties connected with the application of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03, in implementing its decisions relating to the conduct of the aforementioned recount of all ballots cast at the said elections…”

I am appealing to all Guyanese to resist the temptation to take a position on the legitimacy of the results of the recount, and any declaration flowing there from, which is based solely on whether the party of their choice emerges as the winner or loser in this election. Unfortunately, whatever the outcome, a substantial portion of Guyanese will always feel like they have lost, have been shut out, silenced, isolated. Therefore, whatever the outcome, I wish to encourage all Guyanese to support any movement for comprehensive reforms to the democratic process entrenched in our Constitution that will ensure citizens in all corners of the country are given a voice.
Yours truly,
Aruna Budhram